Premier Lesufi Optimistic About Gauteng's Ability to Address Climate Change Challenges
Lesufi identified two critical areas for Gauteng's socio-economic development: climate change and artificial intelligence.
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa— Speaking at the Gauteng Climate Change Indaba, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi expressed confidence in the province's ability to tackle climate change challenges, writes Emmanuel Koro.
"I am proud to be the first premier in the entire country to establish a department dedicated to climate change," Lesufi said at the event held at the Birchwood Hotel's OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg.
Lesufi identified two critical areas for Gauteng's socio-economic development: climate change and artificial intelligence.
"If we can't adapt to these two challenges, we risk losing the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in society," he said.
The premier emphasized Gauteng's central role in the country's economy, stating, "We must step up to seize the benefits or risk losing out in these processes."
Lesufi highlighted the urgent need for action, explaining that the profound effects of climate change mean the Gauteng climate change team is responsible for protecting their society.
"The cost of inaction on climate change in South Africa is enormous [job losses, collapse of agricultural production and public infrastructure through drought and floods]," he said.
"We cannot afford to fail, especially with so many expectations from our people and institutions that rely on us to fulfil their aspirations," Lesufi added. "In the fight against climate change, failure is not an option."
The premier said Gauteng Province "needs to have the skills and the infrastructure to migrate and adapt to" using electric vehicles by 2030 to reduce climate-change-causing carbon emissions.
"One day, we want to tell our grandchildren that we contributed to these ideas [climate change-reducing innovations]," he said.